State v. Briggs

— The question before us is whether a judgment establishing paternity and setting child support is void because it was entered by stipulation by the father’s attorney without the client’s direct approval. Trevor Briggs argues the order is void. We disagree. The order is voidable, not void. Voidable orders may be vacated within one year or a reasonable time but require demonstration of a meritorious defense. None is argued here. We affirm.

On August 11, 1992, the State of Washington filed a petition to establish Briggs as the natural father of Brandon Turner. On December 28, Briggs filed a…